Obituary: Michael Jay Blonder

Michael Jay Blonder of Atlanta, 62, passed away Jan. 30, 2019, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Michael was a wonderful and supportive husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be remembered as one of the biggest Bulldogs fans, not to mention his passion for skiing, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and last, but not least, his Harley-Davidson motorcycle crowd. Michael’s entire working career was focused on the multifamily housing industry. He and his father, Jerry, worked as partners for many years, originally at Tempo Management, and together they built Focus Group, where he served as president and CEO.

He was president of the Atlanta Apartment Association and also served on the board of The Schenck School, and was a longtime baseball coach and supporter of the Northside Youth Organization. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Suzanne; children, Rebecca Blonder of Denver, Colo., Paige Blonder of Atlanta, Zachary Blonder of Atlanta, Eric Estroff of Los Angeles, Calif., and Ashley Estroff of Atlanta; mother, Lois Blonder of Atlanta; sisters Dale Dyer (Jeff) of Atlanta and Leslie Isenberg (Doug) of Atlanta; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his father, Jerry Blonder, and his brother, Scott Blonder.

The family wants to express its gratitude to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, especially Dr. Suresh Ramalingam and Dr. Walter Curran and their staff.

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A graveside funeral service was held at Crest Lawn Memorial Park Monday, Feb. 4, with Rabbi Ron Segal of Temple Sinai officiating.

Contributions may be made to Jerry’s Habima Theatre at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta; the Blonder Family Department for Special Needs at the MJCCA; Weinstein Hospice; and the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.